Moving with Pets
Preparation prevents surprises when moving with pets. Each animal may react differently to traveling and new surroundings. The easiest way to insure that a move goes smoothly is to familiarize each pet with the experience in advance. Practice using travel kennels and riding in a car if these will be new adventures. Try to keep pets calm on moving day and away from the excitement strangers.
Legal Requirements
Many cities have extensive requirements and regulations that apply to pet owners. Registration permits, vaccinations and leash laws are common. Research all regulations before moving. A few states also regulate entry. For example, Hawaii has a mandatory 120 day quarantine period before releasing any animal to an owner. Fines for violations can be expensive in addition to being inconvenient. Verify all state and city requirements well in advance to insure compliance with all regulations.
Dogs and Cats
The temperament of dogs and cats is unpredictable when traveling for extended periods. Confined spaces, prolonged vibrations and unfamiliar noises may all cause traumas. Despite these challenges, moving with pets is not difficult when anticipating their reactions and needs along the way.
Prepare a specific place for each dog and cat when moving with pets by car. Be sure to keep them separate if possible. Familiar bedding, favorite toys, fresh water, frequent stops, and a little extra attention may be required. Carsickness is also common. Consider using plastic to protect upholstery.
Traveling by air requires a special carrier. In addition, all airlines require identification tags, do not permit muzzles, and refuse to carry sedated pets. Each airline may also have special requirements for checking in and picking up various breeds based on special circumstances. Call in advance for reservations and request assistance to avoid last minute surprises.
Marine Fish
Maintaining a marine aquarium presents unique challenges when relocating. Short moves over a few hours are not difficult when handling fish with care. Longer moves however require additional preparation. The replacement cost for a Clown Triggerfish easily exceeds $100. Yellow Tangs and Blue Surgeonfish are notoriously fragile. Nevertheless, these fish frequently travel thousands of miles to reach local vendors nationwide. Moving marine fish long distances is difficult but not impossible for individual owners.
Contact a reputable vendor and request assistance. Preparing fish for transport requires sealed containers with sufficient food and excess oxygen to last long after a scheduled arrival. Delicate handling is essential during all stages of transport. Fish vendors may provide special containers.
Plan your pet moving ahead.
Planning everything ahead will make your pet’s move less stressful for both you and the pet itself. Pack over everything couple days before you move your pet and try to maintain your pet’s routine.
Invest in a top quality pet carrier or moving company.
Read some moving reviews before you choose a moving company. Investing in a high-quality moving company will guarantee high comfort for your cat, dog or other pet. Get a carrier ahead and gradually accustom your pet to spending some time in it. The moving process would be less stressful for your pet.
Buy a new ID tag for your pet.
As soon you know your new address, purchase a new ID tag for your pet that includes your telephone number and your pet new address. Even your pet got lost, the chances of finding it are much greater. You have to finish the whole paperwork concerning your pet accurately.
Keep your pet on a safe distance from the movers.
On the moving day, place your pet in a safe and quiet location such as the bathroom. This way you will protect your pet from getting stressed by seeing the professional movers. Putting a note on the door where your pet is located is a good idea. This is how the movers will know not to open that door.
Ask your moving company is the moving carrier well ventilated.
This is a crucial part of the moving process. Neither a cat nor a dog is comfortable traveling in a small carrier where the temperature raises quickly. Ask your moving company is the moving carrier well ventilated.
Get your pet to a veterinarian.
Consider scheduling a veterinarian appointment a week or two before moving with pets. Good health, current vaccinations, a final checkup and traveling tips may be invaluable. In addition, a new veterinarian will request medical records. Request records at least several days in advance to insure availability. Be sure the most current record of vaccination is included because proof is required to register a pet in most cities.
Prepare your new home for your pet.
Remember that your pet will need food, water, medications, litter box, etc. from day one. So we encourage you to take care of everything your pet need ahead. This way you will reduce the additional stress on your pet. Animals may require time to acclimate to a new home. Begin familiarizing each pet slowly and anticipate odd reactions. Established routines are a source of comfort for most pets. Maintain familiar routines as closely as possible and provide reassurance. Use a leash when walking dogs to prevent running away. Carry cats outside several times before allowing them to roam. A few precautions may prevent hours of searching for a runaway.
